hear them talk
to each other."

"Yes, I should; but mother thinks one such noisy bird is more than she
can endure. Father had Poll given to him when he was a little boy, and
he says he couldn't keep house without her. She is very old indeed, and
is often sick, though now she is only making believe. Father will tell
you how many years she has been in the family."

"There is nothing I like so well," exclaimed Minnie, enthusiastically,
"as to hear stories about birds and beasts."

"Oh, I'll get father, then, to tell you a funny one about Polly when he
was a little boy. He knows all about parrots, because he once went to
the country where they live."

At dinner, Minnie was introduced to the gentleman, whom she regarded
with great interest, on account of his fondness for the bird. No sooner
was the dessert brought on the table, and the servants had retired from
the room, than Lizzie Monson, her young friend, began.

"Papa, will you please to tell Minnie about Poll finding out who stole
the bacon?"

Mr. Lee burst into a merry laugh, but presently said,--

"I warn you it is a dangerous business. Our little daughter has such a
passion for birds and beasts, that if she once finds out you are a
story-teller, she won't let you off very easily."

Mr. Monson gazed a moment into the sparkling countenance of the child,
upon which her father's remarks had caused the roses to deepen, and
said, smilingly, "She does not look very savage. Any contribution I can
make," turning to the child, "to your stock of knowledge on your
favorite subject will give me great pleasure."

His bow was so profound and his smile so arch that the little girl could
not help laughing as she thanked him, while Lizzie whispered, "Isn't
papa a funny man?"

"Ask your friend to come into the library," called out Mr. Monson, as
they were leaving the dining hall.

"Father, isn't Poll sixty years old?" cried Lizzie, pressing forward to
attract his attention.

"She has been in the family ninety years," answered the gentleman, "and
was then probably one or two years of age. It is astonishing how much
she knows. Lizzie, run and open her cage, and bring her here."

"She is, indeed, a splendid bird," remarked Mrs. Lee, gazing with
delight at her richly-tinted plumage. "See, Minnie, how her neck is
shaded from the most beautiful green to the richest mazarine blue."

"And look at her breast, mother; see those elegant red feathers!"

"The parrot," said Mr. Mo